Utah Adds JUCO Big Man Joshua Hayes to Bolster Frontcourt

Utah is bolstering its frontcourt depth by taking the junior college route with the addition of 6-foot-10 center Joshua Hayes from Northwest Florida State College.

Hayes, who was second-team all-conference in the 2024‑25 season, averaged 9.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and shot nearly 58 percent from the field while showing a rare ability to stretch the floor with a 47.4 percent clip from 3‑point range.

The commitment gives Alex Jensen a versatile big man who can score inside, protect the rim, and step out on the perimeter. At 220 pounds, Hayes blends traditional size with modern shooting, making him a valuable addition to a Utah team facing a veteran-heavy Big 12 slate.

Hayes began his college career at Appalachian State, where he appeared in seven games as a freshman in 2023‑24. There, he averaged 1.7 points and 1.3 rebounds per game, but flashed potential with a season-high 18-point, 12-rebound performance against Central Penn. His move to JUCO reinvigorated his career and put him on the radar of several high‑major programs.

With 10 newcomers already joining Jensen’s first recruiting class at Utah, including multi-positional players like Terrence Brown and Babacar Faye, Hayes becomes the tallest player on the roster and adds valuable flexibility. 

His ability to switch defensively and threaten from deep gives the Utes more lineup options as they prepare for their second season in the Big 12.

Hayes’ emergence highlights the growing trend of premier JUCO players earning major opportunities through improved play and exposure. For Utah, Hayes is a key piece in the transition to a tougher conference, where size, shooting, and experience will matter more than ever.

Fans should expect Jensen to deploy Hayes early and often, giving the team a chance to match up with tall, versatile frontcourts across the league.